Hot Pond City Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hot Pond City Park is a popular destination in Indiana for visitors of all ages.


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Summary

The park is located in La Porte County and is known for its thermal pond that stays hot year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking in the park.

One of the primary reasons to visit Hot Pond City Park is to experience the unique thermal pond. The pond is heated naturally by geothermal activity and maintains a temperature of around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a popular spot for swimming and relaxation.

In addition to the thermal pond, there are several other points of interest in the park. Visitors can explore the many walking trails that wind through the park, enjoy a picnic under a shaded area, or fish in one of the ponds. The park also has a playground and a basketball court for visitors to use.

Hot Pond City Park is rich in history and interesting facts. The park was once the location of a glass factory that used the thermal water to help with the glass-making process. The park also played a role in World War II, as it was used as a training ground for soldiers.

The best time to visit Hot Pond City Park is in the summer months when the weather is warm and visitors can fully enjoy the thermal pond. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the walking trails and other amenities even in the colder months.

Overall, Hot Pond City Park is a unique and beautiful destination in Indiana that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to swim in a thermal pond, explore nature, or simply relax, this park is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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